TW: brief description of getting tattooed and brief mention of self harm.

Back at the beginning of April, I had a very fun, unique experience: after watching the first series of the YouTube show, Spectrum Ink, I kept an eye on their social media and applied to be a part of their second series. Bringing together awareness of neurodivergence and tattoos was something I was very excited by – both are special interests for me – and when I saw that they were specifically looking to explore stories of service/assistance animals, it felt like a sign from the universe. I’d had a Daisy inspired tattoo on my list practically since I got her and this seemed like the perfect opportunity. So I applied with my idea. was chosen to join the second series, and my episode has just gone up on YouTube…

Meet Lauren – a singer-songwriter from Brighton who was late-diagnosed with Autism, Inattentive ADHD, OCD & CPTSD. Lauren visits Bleeding Hearts Tattoo Studio in Nottingham alongside her Autism Assistance Dog, Daisy, named after Daisy Johnson from Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., a character whose power to generate and manipulate vibrations resonates deeply with Lauren as an autistic woman. Today, Lauren is getting Daisy’s paw print tattooed – designed by artist Teddy and placed exactly where Daisy stands by her side – as a permanent tribute to the bond that changed her life. Together they talk the sanctuary of songwriting as a neurodivergent person, being a Taylor Swift Super Fan, the life-changing impact of an assistance dog, and why speaking up and protesting your cause matters. 🐾 (x)